Sight adapter for use with ak series rifles

ABSTRACT

The present sight adapter can be designed for use with AK series rifles and can comprise a dovetail cutout that allows standard pistol rear sights to be used with any AK series rifles. The sight adapter can have a lug section, a leaf section, and an aft section. The aft section can have a dovetail cutout capable of accepting an interchangeable sight accessory having a complimentary male-dovetail shape. The sight accessory can be inserted into the dovetail cutout, and secured in place using one or more set screws. The aft section can have hash marks for fine positioning. The dovetail cutout can have one or more channels. The leaf section can have one or more slider slots, a central groove, and one or more range interval markings The lug section can have two lugs, configured to fit into the pivot ears of a tangent sight.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/583,072, filed Dec. 24, 2014, which claims benefit to provisional application No. 61/920,653, filed Dec. 24, 2013, which are both incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present device relates to a sight adapter that is designed for use with firearms. The sight adapter is specifically designed for use with AK series rifles and can comprise a dovetail cutout that allows a standard pistol rear sight to be used with any AK series rifle.

BACKGROUND

A rear sight and a front sight are standard on AK series rifles. The user aligns the rear sight with the front sight and the target as a way to increase accuracy of a shot. The AK series of rifles are not known for their accuracy: the sights of the AK series have long been sources of complaint. Many users have reported that the short sight radius is one of the reasons for the poor accuracy. In reality, the sight radius is almost identical to that of the M4 carbine (the standard carbine of the US army), a weapon renowned for its accuracy. The problem with the standard AK series sight is the distance of the sights from the eye of the shooter. Unlike most modern rifles that have the rear sight at or towards the rear of the receiver, the AK series rear sight is positioned at the front of the receiver, making the rear sight farther from the shooter's eye, much like shooting a pistol held at arm's length.

A specific type of rear sight that can be used with this type of firearm is a tangent sight. Tangent sights comprise markings corresponding to the angles of elevation and the distance from the target. A rear tangent sight can be mounted to the rifle by attaching the front of the sight to the rifle at a location on the front of the receiver. The general configuration of an AK series tangent sight comprises an elongated piece of material with a centerline groove along the length used to align the sights. The length of the AK series sight runs parallel with the gun barrel. The angles of elevation are marked with horizontal indentations at regular intervals along the length of the sight. One of the main drawbacks of using this sight is the small slit used for the rear sight. This small slit is not practical for use when the sight is held at a significant distance from the user's eye, which leads to an inaccurate shot. Additionally, a tangent sight mounted to an AK series rifle does not have any ability to move horizontally. Therefore, the user cannot adjust the sight to compensate for windage.

Pistols often utilize sights located at the rear of the slide. These sights are generally made to be interchangeable so that different style sights can be utilized for different purposes. Specifically, sights with different colored marks can be used, including glowing marks for use in sighting at night. In order to make the sights interchangeable the rear end of the pistol slide often comprises a dovetail cutout. The sights are made with a male dovetail-shaped element that is shaped to fit into this dovetail cutout. This fitting allows different sights to be interchangeable. Many of these sights comprise a more open rear view, which allows for greater accuracy when aiming the firearm at arm's length. Additionally, the dovetail fitting allows the sight to be moved horizontally, which allows the user to compensate for the effect of windage on the bullet's trajectory.

The location of the rear sight on an AK series rifle corresponds to the location of the rear sight on a pistol when it is held at arm's length in relation to the user's eye. The use of the pistol rear sight on the AK series rifle would provide many benefits to the user of an AK series rifle. AK series rifle sights are not easily interchangeable and are not compatible with pistol sights. Therefore, what is needed is an adapter that can be easily affixed to an AK series rifle, which can make the AK series rifle compatible for use with pistol sights.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above aspects can be achieved by a sight adapter with a dovetail cutout. The dovetail cutout being sized to accept sights and accessories designed for pistols. These together with other aspects and advantages, which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein life numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sight adapter mounted in a tangent sight, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross section rear view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sight adapter, sight accessory and three set screws, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a sight adapter, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

The present sight adapter can comprise a dovetail cutout to allow the user to replace the standard small slit rear sight commonly found on AK series rifles with a more open pistol rear sight, also referred to as a “sight accessory.” The present sight adapter can allow the sight to maintain proper elevation adjustment and can provide the additional ability to shift the sight accessory, or pistol rear sight, for adjustment due to windage. In addition to the ability to add a standard pistol rear sight via the dovetail cutout, almost any pistol sight can be inserted increasing the adaptability of the rear sight to match the preferences of the users. This includes the ability to use pistol style night sights, peep sights or any number of other aftermarket pistol rear sights.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sight adapter 100 mounted in a tangent sight 150, according to an embodiment. The sight adapter 100 can be composed of metal, plastic, wood, composite material, or any combination thereof. The sight adapter 100 can comprise a lug section 101, a leaf section 102, and an aft section 103. The lug section 101 can be narrow and can comprise two lugs 104. The lugs 104 can be used to affix the sight adapter 100 to the tangent sight 150. The lugs 104 can be secured to the tangent sight 150 through the use of pivot ears 105, which can be located on the top of the gun at the front of the receiver (not shown). Between the aft section 103 and the lug section 101 can be the leaf section 102. The leaf section 102 can comprise a central groove 106, one or more slider slots 107, and one or more range interval markings 108. The aft section 103 can be located farthest from the lugs 104. The lug section 101 and the leaf section 102 can be similar in design and function to a common rear sight for use with AK series rifles. The aft section 103 can comprise a dovetail cutout 110 that is sized to accept a sight accessory 109. The sight accessory 109 can include sights that are originally intended for use with pistols.

The dovetail cutout 110 in the aft section 103 can be dovetail in shape, meaning that the top of the opening is narrower than the bottom. When this shape is viewed from the side it has the appearance of the shape of a dove's tail. The dovetail cutout 110 can be sized to act as the female connection for the male dovetail shaped sight accessory 109. Specifically, the dovetail cutout 110 can run perpendicular to the groove 106 and can fully extend across the entire aft section 103 of the sight adapter 100.

The leaf section 102 can comprise one or more slider slots 107, so that a slider 151 can be used to adjust the elevation of the sight adapter 100 for shooting at varying distances. The slider slots 107 can be indentions in one of the bottom corners of the leaf section 102. These sliders slots 107 can perform the function of slider slots 107 that are located on any traditional tangent rear sights for use with AK series rifles (not shown).

As an alternative embodiment, hash marks 121 can be included on the very back of the aft section 103 on the user side of the dovetail cutout 110. These hash marks 121 can allow the user to more accurately adjust his or her sighting of a target by adjusting for windage.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sight adapter 100, according to an embodiment. The width of the uppermost part of the dovetail cutout 110 opening measuring from the front of the gun to the back of the gun can measure 0.250″ with the sides extending into the adapter 0.079″ deep at a 74° angle. These measurements can be used to secure a Glock® brand pistol sight as the sight accessory 109. However, the dovetail cutout 110 can be sized such that it can secure any brand pistol sight that has a male dovetail shape and the dimensions can correspond with the dimensions of the male dovetail sight accessory 109 to be attached to the sight adapter 100 so that a secure fit can be achieved. All such size and shape variations required to adapt the present sight adapter 100 to work in conjunction with accessories of other sizes and shapes are contemplated as being part of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross section rear view of a sight adapter 100, according to an embodiment. The sight accessory 109 can be secured in the dovetail connection 110 by using one or more set screws 121, which can be inserted into one or more screw holes 122 located in the dovetail connection 110. Tightening the one or more set screws 121 can secure the sight accessory 109, while loosening the one or more screws 121 can release the sight accessory 109. Although the embodiments shown in the present figures each contain three set screws 121, any number of set screws 121 could be used.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sight adapter 100, according to an embodiment. To use the sight adapter 100, the user can choose any sight accessory 109 with a male dovetail connection. This shape is commonly used by all sights designed for use on pistols. The ability to choose any sight with this shape can provide the user with a much wider range of sight options than what is currently available for use with an AK series rifle. The user can take the selected male dovetail sight accessory 109 and slide it into the dovetail cutout 110. The dovetail cutout 110 can be sized to securely hold the sight accessory 109 in place during use. The size can also permit the movement of the sight accessory 109 horizontally with a force applied by hand. This movement can allow the user to compensate for windage while sighting with an AK series rifle. The fine positioning of the sight accessory 109 can be measured by the user by utilizing the hash marks 121 located on the back of the aft section 103. The sight accessory 109 can be secured in the dovetail connection 110 by using one or more screws 121, which can be inserted into one or more screw holes 122 located in the dovetail connection 110.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sight adapter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a sight adapter, according to an embodiment. The bottom of the lug section 101, the leaf section 102, and the aft section 103 can be flat. The leaf section 102 can comprise one or more slider slots 107, so that a slider (not shown) can be used to adjust the elevation of the sight adapter 100 for shooting at varying distances. The slider slots 107 can be indentions in one of the bottom corners of the leaf section 102. These sliders slots 107 can perform the function of slider slots that are located on any traditional tangent rear sights for use with AK series rifles (not shown).

In an alternate embodiment, the two channels 400 can be included in the dovetail cutout 110 and can be located on each of the two bottom corners of the dovetail cutout 110. The two channels 400 can be included for ease in manufacturing and to ease the movement of the sight accessory 109. The sight adapter 100 can function properly with or without the two channels 400. The two channels 400 can extend for the entire width of the aft section 103.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment. When centered, the sighting groove 600 located on the sight accessory 109 can be in line with the central groove 106 of the sight adapter 100.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment. From this view, the one or more slider slots (not shown) are not visible.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment. The range interval markings can be spaced apart at regular intervals for accurate range measurements.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a sight adapter, wherein a sight accessory has been attached to the sight adapter, according to an embodiment. The one or more set screws 120 can be inserted into the aft section 103 of sight adapter 100 from this direction, and can secure the sight accessory (not shown) through tightening.

Although the present sight adapter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the present sight adapter, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the present device. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sight adapter comprising: a lug section comprising two lugs; a leaf section comprising a central groove, one or more slider slots and one or more range interval markings; and an aft section comprising a cutout.
 2. The sight adapter as recited in claim 1 wherein the cutout is a dovetail cutout.
 3. The sight adapter as recited in claim 2, further comprising a sight accessory; wherein the sight accessory is configured to insert into the dovetail cutout.
 4. The sight adapter as recited in claim 1, further comprising one or more set screws; the aft section comprising one or more screw holes; wherein the one or more screws holes are configured to receive the one or more screws.
 5. The sight adapter as recited in claim 2, the dovetail cutout further comprising one or more channels.
 6. The sight adapter as recited in claim 1, the aft section further comprising one or more hash marks.
 7. A method for using a sight adapter, comprising: providing a sight adapter comprising a lug section comprising two lugs, a leaf section comprising a central groove, one or more slider slots and one or more range interval markings, and an aft section comprising a dovetail cutout; providing a sight accessory configured to insert into the dovetail cutout; providing a tangent sight having two pivot ears; inserting the two lugs into the two pivot ears; and inserting the sight accessory into the dovetail cutout.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7 wherein: the providing the sight adapter further provides one or more screws and the aft section further comprises one or more screw holes; tightening the one or more screws inside the one or more screw holes after the sight accessory is inserted into the dovetail cutout. 